Cheesecake is one of those desserts that's universally loved. It's rich, creamy, and oh-so-indulgent. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something sweet, cheesecake is always a hit. This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, so even if you're a baking novice, you can still achieve that smooth, velvety filling on a crunchy, buttery crust.
The crust is made from crushed Lotus biscuits or graham crackers, mixed with melted butter, and pressed into the bottom of a springform pan. This creates a firm and flavorful base for the creamy cheesecake filling. The filling itself is a luscious blend of cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. After baking, the cheesecake is chilled to get that perfect dense and creamy texture we all love.
Cheesecake can be enjoyed plain, but if you're feeling fancy, you can top it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate ganache, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with whipped cream, nuts, or even edible flowers.
Here's how to make this classic and luxurious cheesecake:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 80 g Lotus biscuits or graham crackers, finely crushed (2/3 cup)
- 40 g unsalted butter, melted (3 tbsps)
For the Cheesecake:
- 350 g cream cheese, softened (1+1/2 cups)
- 80 g sugar (1/3 cup)
- 140 g yogurt or sour cream (2/3 cup)
- 15 g lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- 120 g heavy cream (1/2 cup)
- 30 g cornstarch (3 tbsps)
- 2 eggs
- 15 g vanilla extract (1 tbsp)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust: Finely crush the Lotus biscuits or graham crackers and mix them well with the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 6-inch round cake pan lined with parchment paper (if the pan doesn't have a removable bottom). Chill the crust in the fridge while you make the filling.
2. Make the Filling: In a clean bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, heavy cream, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat until smooth and creamy. For an extra smooth texture, sift the batter once or twice.
3. Bake the Cheesecake: Preheat your oven to 338℉ (170℃). Place the cake pan in a larger baking tray and pour enough hot water into the tray to create a water bath. Bake the cheesecake for 55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is slightly jiggly.
4. Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it overnight to set it fully.
5. Serve: Slice and serve your cheesecake plain, or top it with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream.
Enjoy your luxurious and creamy cheesecake, perfect for any special occasion or just as a delightful treat!